craving some creature comfort
Discussion
I drive an Impreza at present (having owned several BMWs in the past), I chose it because I do have a soft spot for them and thought 4wd might come in handy as we were about to move to the wilds of north norfolk, what with mud everywhere and 2 young children etc. What has also endeared me to this car is the running costs for the performance ratio. I have owned it for over 35k miles and literally only one thing has gone wrong (MAF sensor £70) in all this time, I do about 15k pa so it has two services a year and not one of these has cost more than £300. It does approx 27mpg which I think is pretty good for the performance.
But, (it is a 1999 model) the crudeness is starting to get to me!!! The road noise, the relative uncomfortableness etc, it's strength is also it's weakness, it's allround ability means it does nothing brilliantly. It does not thrill like an E30 M3 nor does it cosset like a 540i. Plus I do have a small hankering for a bit more power!
So having decided that it is time for a change and that 4wd is frankly not needed, I have started looking.
I think I need a car that does have more of a thrill but is much more cossetting so have concluded that it is either an E46 M3 or and E39 M5, I have two young children so the lack of doors on M3 is not a huge problem for the time being, which would you guys choose, my heart goes for the M5 but head my say M3 is more sensible running cost wise...whaddya reckon
also I would be looking at 2000 model M5s, can they take big mileages?
But, (it is a 1999 model) the crudeness is starting to get to me!!! The road noise, the relative uncomfortableness etc, it's strength is also it's weakness, it's allround ability means it does nothing brilliantly. It does not thrill like an E30 M3 nor does it cosset like a 540i. Plus I do have a small hankering for a bit more power!
So having decided that it is time for a change and that 4wd is frankly not needed, I have started looking.
I think I need a car that does have more of a thrill but is much more cossetting so have concluded that it is either an E46 M3 or and E39 M5, I have two young children so the lack of doors on M3 is not a huge problem for the time being, which would you guys choose, my heart goes for the M5 but head my say M3 is more sensible running cost wise...whaddya reckon
also I would be looking at 2000 model M5s, can they take big mileages?
Edited by chippy17 on Thursday 3rd April 16:58
LittleBro said:
For my money, of the two, it would be the E39. Yes, running cost could add up, but what a car! I dont think you'll be getting 27mpg though 
The only downside is the age...they're getting a bit long in the tooth, and dont look as fresh as they once did. (obv).
The only downside is the age...they're getting a bit long in the tooth, and dont look as fresh as they once did. (obv).
The E39 is still one of the best looking saloon cars on the road, and looks far better than its younger sibling.
M5 every time. I'm still staggered as to how something so big can handle so well. Besides, an M5 matures whereas the M3 tends to go through awkward phases of growing old disgracefully before it becomes desireable again.
Running costs are HUGE, but worth every penny IMO.
Thanks guys, I know the M5 is the better car but the M3's running costs are less, but the M5 is cheaperish to buy but I reckon they will depreciate equally...
have just gone through a few back issues of BMW Car mag and the tales of woe with their M5 long termer are fairly sobering!!
have just gone through a few back issues of BMW Car mag and the tales of woe with their M5 long termer are fairly sobering!!
Edited by chippy17 on Friday 4th April 10:54
chippy17 said:
could I be more indecisive I have now changed my mind and hanker after E34 M5, anyone know of good but not concours one, 3.6 or 3.8 not too bothered?!
Yes mine! :http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/457427.htm
I run an e34 M5 and they are much more expensive to run than an E39, however have an amazing soul, outstanding character and an amazing engine note above 400o rmp. The downsides are that findng people to work on these handbuilt cars is tough, then you have issues regarding catalytic converters failing, tired suspension and bodywork, interiors, EDC active suspension (£800 a corner and you have to do two a time)on the later 3.8's, MAF, water pumps, pads and disks etc. Wonderful cars to own if you find a good one, more collectors than every day transport these days the newest ones are 13 years old! Dynamic driving experience but finding a decent car with serious bills is tough. Loads of poor condition cars on sale but pop over to www.m5board.com for a chat if you want more info.
E39's are faster, more luxurious, easier to have fixed, much less fuel efficient, harder on their brakes, but way more modern a driving experience than an E34 and a far greater choice of lower mileage cars to choose from.
The question is what do you want and how much do you want to spend?
E39's are faster, more luxurious, easier to have fixed, much less fuel efficient, harder on their brakes, but way more modern a driving experience than an E34 and a far greater choice of lower mileage cars to choose from.
The question is what do you want and how much do you want to spend?
Edited by belleair302 on Sunday 13th April 13:21
DP400 said:
chippy17 said:
could I be more indecisive I have now changed my mind and hanker after E34 M5, anyone know of good but not concours one, 3.6 or 3.8 not too bothered?!
Yes mine! :http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/457427.htm
it does look lovely...lead me not...
belleair302 said:
I run an e34 M5 and they are much more expensive to run than an E39, however have an amazing soul, outstanding character and an amazing engine note above 400o rmp. The downsides are that findng people to work on these handbuilt cars is tough, then you have issues regarding catalytic converters failing, tired suspension and bodywork, interiors, EDC active suspension (£800 a corner and you have to do two a time)on the later 3.8's, MAF, water pumps, pads and disks etc. Wonderful cars to own if you find a good one, more collectors than every day transport these days the newest ones are 13 years old! Dynamic driving experience but finding a decent car with serious bills is tough. Loads of poor condition cars on sale but pop over to www.m5board.com for a chat if you want more info.
E39's are faster, more luxurious, easier to have fixed, much less fuel efficient, harder on their brakes, but way more modern a driving experience than an E34 and a far greater choice of lower mileage cars to choose from.
The question is what do you want and how much do you want to spend?
tbh the running costs are what puts me off all these cars at present, it would be used everyday, approx 40miles, which for me is not an issue and I am sure that an E34 can take that...I would be more interested in a 3.6 as they are just that little bit tougher and as you say do not have the EDC element. E39s I would be looking at slightly higher mileage ones, ie 90k-100k...E39's are faster, more luxurious, easier to have fixed, much less fuel efficient, harder on their brakes, but way more modern a driving experience than an E34 and a far greater choice of lower mileage cars to choose from.
The question is what do you want and how much do you want to spend?
Edited by belleair302 on Sunday 13th April 13:21
The 3.6 is a simpler car, but does lack the grunt of the 3.8 along with some of the benefits of a 6 speed gearbox and more modern suspension and brakes. Yes 40 miles a day is no worry, the cars were all hand made and beautifully manufactured. Finding one is not a problem, but look out for a decent history over the last 5-6 years with plenty of money spent, and check for rust, frontal crash damage and possible engine issues.
There is a guy on the m5 board selling his 3.6 which is a good car, also advertised on PH.
There is a guy on the m5 board selling his 3.6 which is a good car, also advertised on PH.
DP400 said:
Yes mine! :
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/457427.htm
£53k in 1991? And most people think the new M3 is expensive!http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/457427.htm
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